Borussia Moenchengladbach goalkeeper Kasey Keller was named the United States Soccer Federation's male athlete of the year for the third time on Thursday.

Keller, 36, becomes the first player to win the accolade three times after taking the award in 1997 and 1999. Kasey is well deserving of this honour," said U.S. coach Bruce Arena in a statement. "He had an outstanding year and continues to demonstrate why he is such a valuable part of our team.

"His leadership and ability to make saves at key moments in a game were a large factor in our success during the qualifying campaign," Arena said. "The fact that he is the only three-time winner of the award is a testament to the consistency, commitment and dedication he has displayed throughout his career."

Keller appeared in 14 games for the U.S. team this year, keeping eight clean sheets and conceding only eight goals as he helped the Americans qualify for a fifth straight World Cup finals and win the CONCACAF Gold Cup, the regional championship.